Mucuna pruriens is a legume grown in tropical areas of Asia and Africa. The main active ingredient in mucuna pruriens is Levodopa (L-DOPA). A mucuna pruriens extract is much more effective then synthetic L-DOPA since it is released steadily in the body and stays active in the blood much longer than the synthetic version.
There are several scientifically proven benefits from supplementing with mucuna pruriens such as:
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone found naturally in your body, made in the adrenal glands. In your body, DHEA is converted into male sex hormones such as testosterone. Taking DHEA in supplement form can protect against health problems associated with low hormone imbalances and/or aging-related declines in hormone levels.
In addition, since low levels of DHEA have been detected in some individuals with conditions like diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease, DHEA supplements are commonly used as a therapeutic remedy to treat or prevent such conditions.
1. Enhances testosterone production
- DHEA is a precursor hormone that the body converts into other hormones like testosterone and estrogen. This conversion occurs in peripheral tissues through enzymes.
- Increasing DHEA levels may provide the body with more material to produce testosterone.
- Some research suggests DHEA supplementation can increase testosterone levels, especially in older adults with age-related declines. However, other studies have shown mixed results on DHEA's effectiveness in raising testosterone levels in men.
2. Potential benefits for sexual health
- Low DHEA levels are linked to sexual dysfunction in men, including reduced libido and erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Some evidence suggests DHEA supplementation might increase libido and help treat ED by potentially increasing free testosterone levels and improving blood flow.
- Studies have shown DHEA treatment improved scores on a tool used to evaluate ED therapy.
3. Supporting mood and cognitive function
- DHEA may have effects that support mood, memory, and resilience to stress.
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Low DHEA levels have been associated with an increased risk of depression, and some research suggests DHEA supplements may be beneficial for mild depression.
4. Other potential benefits
- DHEA may play a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production, and mood regulation.
- Some research suggests DHEA might help decrease body fat by blocking an enzyme involved in fat synthesis.
- DHEA is thought to support the immune system and boost energy levels
Calcium-D-glucarate is a substance made by combining calcium and glucaric acid, a chemical compound found naturally in the body and in foods like oranges, grapefruit, apples, and broccoli. Clinical studies show that oral supplementation of calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase, thereby enhancing the process of glucuronidation, in which fat-soluble toxins and excess estrogen are detoxified and excreted from our bodies.
Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a plant-derived compound found in cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. DIM balances hormonal activity which contribute to a better metabolism and increased free testosterone levels. Supplementing with DIM has been clinically shown to:
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Free bound testosterone – DIM releases metabolites that prevent testosterone from binding to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
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Act as an Aromatase Inhibitor – Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. DIM suppresses aromatase activity, protecting testosterone from being converted into estrogen.
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Regulate Hormone Levels – DIM regulates the metabolism of “bad” metabolized estrogens into “good” 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolites which help maintain healthy levels of active testosterone, provide antioxidant protection and increase bone strength
Indole-3-carbinol is a potent anti-estrogen that works similar to SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulator). IC3 prevents testosterone from aromatizing into estrogen, increasing free testosterone levels and preventing estrogen related side effects.
- Estrogen metabolism: I3C can influence estrogen metabolism, potentially converting it into a more beneficial form (2-hydroxyestrone) and reducing less favorable forms. By helping to maintain a healthier estrogen balance, it is thought that I3C may indirectly support testosterone levels. This is because high estrogen levels in men can suppress testosterone production.
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Aromatase inhibition: Some research suggests I3C may act as a natural aromatase blocker, according to National Institutes of Health (NIH). Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. By potentially inhibiting this process, I3C might help maintain higher testosterone levels.
Quercetin @ 50mg
Quercetin appears to exert its effects primarily by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and influencing the activity of enzymes involved in testosterone metabolism and synthesis
- Improved testosterone synthesis: Quercetin has been shown to alleviate testicular damage and promote testosterone synthesis in diabetic rats by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress through a specific signaling pathway. Studies also suggest it can block the conversion of testosterone into testosterone glucuronide, potentially increasing testosterone levels and improving testicular function.
- Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation: Quercetin demonstrates antioxidant properties, potentially protecting testicular cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammation associated with certain conditions like diabetes.
- Enhancing exercise performance: While not directly linked to testosterone, quercetin may improve endurance exercise performance, possibly by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis, although research results are inconsistent. However, some studies failed to show a significant effect on VO2 max or body fat percentage in athletes.
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Impact on male infertility: In diabetic rats, quercetin has been observed to improve sperm quality (count, motility, viability), morphology, and DNA integrity. It has also been proposed as a potential treatment for male infertility by stimulating sex organs at the cellular and organ levels, depending on the dose and duration of treatment.
Pregnenolone @ 50mg
Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol in the body, primarily in the adrenal glands, gonads, brain, and placenta. It's considered the "grandmother of all steroid hormones" as it's the precursor to over 150 other hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol.
- Hormone Balance: As a precursor, pregnenolone helps maintain hormonal balance and supports the production of other essential hormones.
- Cognitive Function: Research suggests potential benefits in enhancing memory and learning, reversing depressive symptoms, and modulating cognitive functions, particularly in elderly individuals with cognitive decline. It's believed to achieve this by influencing neurotransmission and potentially reducing neuroinflammation.
- Stress Response: Pregnenolone plays a role in the body's stress response system by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and GABAergic activity, potentially helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Pregnenolone acts as an anti-inflammatory molecule, contributing to immune homeostasis in various inflammatory conditions.
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Neuroprotection: It has a neuroprotective role in neuroinflammatory and psychiatric conditions like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, depression, and autism.
Black pepper contains the active ingredient piperine. Piperine is used to improve digestion, relieve stomach pain, and enhance mood and mental function. However, where piperine really shines is through its ability to boost nutrient absorption. Piperine increases the bioavailability and absorption rate of any supplement you take with it.